]]>SeattleLikesBikes: Why planners need — really need — the reality check of actual bike riders. “One intersection that looked fine on paper turned out to be a spot where a new streetcar track would be a nightmare hazard for cyclists.”

Bicycle Retailer: Crankworx attendance was up despite crappy weather. Really? It didn’t feel that way. It felt more like numbers were a bit down, and in any case I’d be curious to see the data. If you read the release carefully it says attendance was up the “final weekend,” which was fairly sunny. If so, it was not by much. The rest of the time was noticeably slack. You could just look at the lift lines.

No knock on the ‘worx, it’s a great event. Which is all the more reason it has no need to exaggerate.

BikeRumor: Camelbak’s new electronically monitored flow meter showing how much liquid you’ve sucked up on a ride. Christmas stocking stuffer, but otherwise file under Things You Could Probably Survive Without.

Buhly: “Women’s racing in the US has dropped off a bit. Not from lack of talent by any means, just the depth in entries at the events. I think a lot of it is because it is so costly for them and there is lack of support. Some of the race promoters don’t give enough incentive for pro racers to make the trip. We are racing for free or next to nothing at a lot of the events, and that’s unacceptable for any pro. There are so many talented riders here, but you’ll find them doing other events and other types of riding and racing they enjoy more. I hope we can get a consistent series going that offers that kind of enjoyment in racing again and bring them back.”

One last look back at this year’s Leadville 100. Yes Lance was King, but the ever-humble, gentlemanly and gracious Dave Wiens made a lot of fans too.